JP7042506B2 - Systems and programs - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a display control device or the like, and more particularly to a display control device or the like for guiding information related to a map.

A navigation system is known as a display control device that guides information related to a map. A navigation system generally has a function of displaying a map on a display means such as a liquid crystal display, and further displaying a current position, a route to a destination, and the like on the map. Further, a navigation system having a function of providing various information incidental to map information such as neighborhood information is also provided. There are various types of navigation systems, such as in-vehicle type and portable type, and navigation systems equipped with navigation functions on smartphones are also used.

Recently, a navigation system has been proposed that does not simply guide the route to the destination, but provides guidance in an entertaining manner that makes the movement fun and tickles the playfulness of the user. There is. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a navigation system that displays a character on a screen and guides information using the character.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-242187

In Patent Document 1, in addition to displaying map information, when the position specified by the position information of the warning target and the current position of the vehicle have a predetermined close relationship, a character unrelated to the warning target is displayed as an animation. Discloses a navigation system that can prevent oversight of alarm targets. However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose that a character whose correspondence with a region is defined is displayed, and the effect of enhancing the interest is not sufficient.

As described above, no device has been devised to give a high degree of interest to the guidance of information controlled by the display control device by displaying the character whose correspondence with the area is defined.

The present application discloses, for example, the inventions described in the following viewpoints.
<Viewpoint 1>
A display control device that guides information related to a map that includes multiple areas.
A display control device comprising a control means for controlling the display means to display an image of any of a plurality of characters whose correspondence with the plurality of areas is defined.
<Viewpoint 2>
The control means displays an image of the character selected from a group of permitted characters, which is a set consisting of all or a part of the plurality of characters, on the display means.
The control means adds the character corresponding to the destination area to the permitted character group on condition that the display control device moves to the area where the correspondence with the character is defined. Characteristic display control device.
<Viewpoint 3>
The control means displays an image of the character selected from a group of permitted characters, which is a set consisting of all or a part of the plurality of characters, on the display means.
The control means is characterized in that, on condition that the display control device has moved a predetermined distance, any one of the characters selected from the plurality of characters is newly added to the permitted character group. Display control device.
<Viewpoint 4>
The plurality of characters include at least one default character.
A display control device comprising displaying an image of the default character on the display means when the character is not included in the permitted character group.
<Viewpoint 5>
Further having a mode selection means for selecting one of a plurality of modes for selecting the character in different embodiments based on the user's operation.
The control means is a display control device characterized in that the character selected according to the mode selected by the mode selection means is displayed on the display means.
<Viewpoint 6>
The plurality of modes include the first mode.
When the first mode is selected, the control means is a display control device characterized in that an image of the character designated by the user is displayed on the display means.
<Viewpoint 7>
The plurality of modes include a second mode.
When the second mode is selected, the control means is a display control device characterized in that an image of the character associated with the area where the display control device is currently located is displayed on the display means.
<Viewpoint 8>
The plurality of modes include a third mode.
When the third mode is selected, the control means is a display control device, characterized in that a different image of the character is displayed on the display means each time the display control device moves a predetermined distance.
<Viewpoint 9>
Further has a display mode selection means for selecting a display mode or a non-display mode based on a user operation.
The control means controls to display the image of the character on the display means when the display mode is selected, and controls to display the image of the character on the display means when the non-display mode is selected. A display control device characterized by not performing.

In the invention of the first aspect, the user becomes interested in the character displayed on the display means and becomes interested in the area associated with the character. It can motivate you to be guided by information related to your area.

In a preferred embodiment, the display control device may have a display means for displaying an image or the like. In a more preferable embodiment, the display control device includes a corresponding storage means for storing the correspondence between the area and the character in the form of a table or the like, a position of the display control device, a position detecting means for detecting the moving distance, a moving distance detecting means, and the like. It is better to have more. In another preferred embodiment, the display control device does not have all or part of the display means, the corresponding storage means, the position detecting means, and the moving distance detecting means. For example, as these means, general-purpose products that are usually commercially available can be used.

The area is preferably a geographical area. It is preferable that the regions do not overlap with each other. The area is more preferably an administrative division, and particularly preferably a prefecture or a municipality.

The character is preferably a symbol, a figure, or the like in the shape of a real or fictitious person or animal. The character is preferably, for example, a character (for example, a local character) managed by a region (for example, a local public body). The character is preferably a so-called mascot character. As a mascot character, it is particularly preferable to use a mascot character used for regional PR such as regional revitalization and introduction of specialty products. Especially cute illustrations are recommended.

The correspondence between the plurality of regions and the plurality of characters is preferably one-to-one or one-to-many. In a preferred embodiment, correspondence with the character is defined for all areas included in the map. In another preferred embodiment, correspondence with the character is specified only for a part of the areas in the map (for example, 4 prefectures in Shikoku out of 47 prefectures on the Japanese map).

Information guidance preferably includes information guidance regarding events such as crackdowns. It is particularly preferable that the information guidance is route guidance to the destination. Information is preferably guided by displaying an image in the display means.

In the invention of the second aspect, any character selected from the permitted character group is displayed on the display means. When the display control device moves to a new area, a new character corresponding to the destination area is added to the permitted character group (the number of characters that can be displayed increases), so that the user can move from area to area. Can be motivated.

The permitted character group may include all or a part of a plurality of characters in the initial state (for example, the factory default state), but in the initial state, the permitted character group does not include any of the plurality of characters (permitted characters). The group is an empty set). It is preferable that the characters once added to the permitted character group are not deleted from the permitted character group. Particularly preferably, the display control device may be configured to store and retain the characters of the permitted character group even when the power of the display control device is turned off.

Preferably, the movement to each area may be determined based on the information from the position detecting means. Preferably, the display control device may perform the process of adding the character corresponding to the destination area only when the character corresponding to the destination area is not included in the permitted character group.

In the invention of the third aspect, when the display control device moves a predetermined distance, a new character is added to the permitted character group (the number of characters that can be displayed increases), so that the user is motivated to move a longer distance. Can be done. Preferably, the travel distance may be calculated based on the information from the position detecting means.

It is particularly preferable that the display control device includes both the configurations of the viewpoint 2 and the viewpoint 3. This solves the problem of the invention of the viewpoint 2 that a user who moves only in the same area cannot increase the number of characters that can be displayed. As described above, in the invention of the viewpoint 2, when the second condition different from the condition (first condition) that the display control device has moved to the area where the correspondence with the character is defined is satisfied. , It is preferable to newly add any one of the characters selected from the plurality of characters to the permitted character group. The second preferable condition different from the viewpoint 3 is that the usage time of the display control device (for example, the cumulative usage time) has reached a predetermined time, and the number of days elapsed after the manufacture, shipment, etc. of the display control device is the predetermined number of days. There is a condition that it became the same.

In the invention of the fourth aspect, even when the character is not included in the permitted character group (for example, in the embodiment in which the permitted character group at the time of factory shipment is an empty set, the power is turned on for the first time after the factory shipment), the character is used. It becomes possible to display. In a preferred embodiment, the default character may be a character whose correspondence with the region is not defined. In another preferred embodiment, the default character is a character whose correspondence is defined with any region.

In the invention of the viewpoint 5, the user can select the method of selecting the character to be displayed.

In the invention of the viewpoint 6, the user can display a character arbitrarily selected from the permitted character group, and can increase the voluntaryness.

In the invention of the viewpoint 7, since the character associated with the area where the display control device is currently located is displayed, the user can be motivated to move between the areas. Preferably, the current position of the control control device may be determined based on the information from the position detecting means.

In the invention of the viewpoint 8, since a different character is displayed each time the display control device moves a predetermined distance, the user can be motivated to move a long distance. Preferably, the travel distance may be calculated based on the information from the position detecting means.

It is preferable that the second mode in the invention of the viewpoint 7 and the third mode in the invention of the viewpoint 8 can be selected at the same time. This makes it possible to change the display character regardless of whether the conditions of movement to a different area or movement of a predetermined distance are satisfied. The plurality of modes may include modes different from the viewpoints 6 to 8. As another preferable mode, a mode in which different characters are displayed for each predetermined time lapse or time zone, and a mode in which different characters are displayed according to the movement speed can be considered.

The inventions of viewpoints 5 to 8 citing viewpoints 2 or 3 are particularly preferable. This makes it possible to add characters in the permitted character group independently of the displayed characters. For example, in the display control device of the invention of the viewpoint 6, even if the user displays only a specific character in the first mode, the characters of the permitted character group are added depending on the area moved, the distance, and the like, so that the user can use the display control device. Other characters can be displayed if desired.

In the invention of the viewpoint 9, the character can be hidden according to the user's preference.

It should be configured as follows.
<Viewpoint A>
When the image of the character changes from the state in which the image of the character is not displayed on the display means to the state in which the image of the character is displayed, the name of the character is displayed together with the image of the character for a predetermined time, and then the name is not displayed. It is advisable to perform the process of displaying. In particular, along with the name of the character, information on the area corresponding to the character may be displayed for the predetermined time and then hidden.

By doing so, the appearance of the character can attract the user's line of sight to the character of the display means, and at the same time, the name of the character and the corresponding area of the character can be known, and the character can be known more deeply. At the same time, it is possible to arouse interest in the corresponding area of the character. Moreover, after the lapse of a predetermined time, the name of the character and the information of the corresponding area are erased and the character is displayed, so that it is less likely to interfere with the display of the background information (for example, map information). If you forget the name of the character or the corresponding area, they will not be displayed, and you will not know the answer immediately, so you can't wait for the next appearance.
In particular, the change from the state in which the character is not displayed to the state in which the character is displayed may be performed with the movement of the character. In particular, it is preferable that the character is displayed while gradually moving from the edge of the screen toward the center of the screen. In this way, the appearance of the character can be impressed, and the user's line of sight can be more easily attracted to the display means.

<Viewpoint B>
When the image of the character changes from the state where the image of the character is not displayed on the display means to the state where the image of the character is displayed, or when the image of the character is displayed on the display means, the image of the character is displayed. It is preferable to perform display control in which the character greets the user at least one of the cases when the character is not displayed.
In this way, the attachment to the character increases, and the possibility of evoking the attachment to the corresponding area further increases.
<Viewpoint C>
It has a function to output information by voice and a selection function to select whether or not to display the character, and when the selection function selects not to display the character, the voice is used. When it is selected to output with a voice not related to the character and to display the character, it is preferable to output with the voice of the character displaying the output of the voice.

<Viewpoint D>
When the character displayed on the display means is a character set not to speak, it is preferable to output information by voice for a common character.

<Viewpoint E>
The voice information of the character is output when the information that matches the character's image is output, and when the information that does not match the character's image is output, the information is output by voice different from that of the character. It is good to do it. For example, when outputting a crackdown warning, it is preferable not to output the voice of the character, and in this case, it is preferable to warn the crackdown with a voice other than the voice of the character.
By doing so, it is possible to obtain the necessary alarm while maintaining the image of the character.

<Viewpoint E>
The correspondence between the character and the area may be a wider area than the area where the character is active. In this way, it is possible to increase the attention to a specific area within a wider area. In particular, it is preferable to have the configuration of the viewpoint 7. For example, if the character is a character for the promotion of a city, the area may be a prefecture wider than the city. By doing this, when you enter a certain prefecture, the character corresponding to a specific city in that prefecture will be displayed, so you can go to a specific city in that prefecture in particular. It will motivate you to go to the city when you enter the prefecture.

<Viewpoint F>
It has a function to display the character corresponding to the area related to the acquired current position, and when the current position cannot be acquired from the state where the current position can be acquired, it is displayed before the current position cannot be acquired. It is preferable to have a function to maintain the display of the character that was used.
By doing so, it is possible to prevent the character from suddenly disappearing when the current position cannot be acquired. In particular, it exerts an excellent effect when the current position is acquired by GPS.

<Viewpoint G>
It is provided with a character mode in which the information is output by a character, a standard mode in which the information is not output by a character, and a switching function for switching between the character mode and the standard mode. It is preferable not to judge the condition of the viewpoint 3.
In this way, the permitted character group is updated only when the character mode is set. Therefore, for example, when renting a vehicle or the like in which the display control device is installed to another person, if the standard mode is set, the other person It is possible to update the permitted character group at one's own pace without being disturbed by others without updating the permitted character group.

<Viewpoint H>
It has a function to detect the user's touch to the display location of the character while the character is displayed on the display means, and when the touch to the character is detected, the character is erased and the character is displayed. It is advisable to control the display of other information in the place where it was set.
By doing so, by touching the character, the character can be erased and another information can be displayed.

<Viewpoint I>
It is preferable to display the character currently to be displayed on the map screen on the button for displaying the information display screen for the character or the button for displaying the setting related to the display control of the character. ..
By doing so, it is possible to know the character to be displayed on the current map by looking at the character displayed on the button of the menu screen or the like without actually performing an operation of returning to the map screen.

<Viewpoint J>
It is preferable to have a function of displaying a screen for displaying the attributes of the characters as character information, to provide explanatory information about the same attributes among the plurality of characters, and to make the display information indicating the same attributes different. For example, for an attribute a called "name" of a character, character A displays "name" and the name is displayed after the attribute, and character B displays "nickname" and displays the name in the vicinity thereof. .. For example, for the attribute b of the character's "age", character A displays "age" and the age is displayed in the vicinity, and character B displays "born" and the age is displayed in the vicinity. indicate.
By doing so, it is possible to deepen mutual understanding about the attributes common to the plurality of characters without destroying the world view of each of the plurality of characters.

<Viewpoint K>
It has a function to display a screen that can list the plurality of areas, and the display mode of the area corresponding to the character existing in the permitted character group is different from the display mode of the area corresponding to the character not present in the permitted character group. It is preferable to use the display mode.
By doing so, it is possible to easily grasp which area of the character is included in the permitted character group. For example, it is possible to easily grasp the acquisition status of the permitted character group for all the character groups. For example, in the case of a configuration in which a map of Japan is displayed, the area is 47 prefectures, and the character and the area have a one-to-one correspondence, the map of Japan is divided into each prefecture and displayed, and the permitted character in each prefecture is displayed. It is advisable not to display the shaded prefectures for the prefectures that the characters in the group correspond to, and to display the shaded areas for the prefectures that the characters in the permitted character group correspond to. ..

<Viewpoint L>
It is preferable to have a function of outputting a time signal by voice, and to output a predetermined wording together with the time by the voice of the character being displayed at the time of notifying the time signal.

<Viewpoint M>
When all the characters are in the permitted character group, it is preferable to perform a predetermined effect. This production should be a complete production. For example, it is good to make a production to celebrate that all the characters have been acquired. At that time, it is preferable that the character set to speak and the character set to not speak exist in the permitted character group, and the predetermined effect is performed by the voice of the character who can speak. The content may include information indicating that the characters in the area representing the area to which all the characters correspond have entered the permitted character group. For example, when all the characters are characters of 47 prefectures, it is preferable to output that the area representing the area to which all the characters correspond is the whole country, such as "national conquest". After performing a predetermined effect, it is preferable to return to the information output screen by the original character.

<Viewpoint N>
In the case of the demo driving function, it has a route guidance function to the destination as the guidance of the information and a demonstration driving function which is a function of performing virtual driving to perform route guidance in a situation where the vehicle is not actually traveling to the destination. It is preferable that the configuration is not regarded as movement in viewpoints 2 and 3. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the characters from being added to the permitted character group one after another by the demonstration run.

The display control devices can be configured by arbitrarily combining the viewpoints 1 to 9 and the viewpoints A to N as long as there is no contradiction between the components. At that time, it is advisable to derive a concrete composition by a combination that exerts a person skilled in the art's normal creative ability and exerts a unique and remarkable effect. Further, it may be configured as a program for realizing the function of the display control device described above in the computer.

It is an external view of the navigation device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the navigation device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3A shows exemplary mascot information. FIG. 3B shows an exemplary allowed character list. FIG. 4 shows an exemplary first voice-enabled table defined for a routing event. FIG. 5 shows an exemplary second voice-enabled table defined for a routing event. FIG. 6 shows an exemplary third voice-enabled table defined for POI events. FIG. 7 shows an exemplary operation correspondence table. FIG. 8A shows an exemplary main menu screen. FIG. 8B shows an exemplary navigation menu screen. FIG. 9A shows an exemplary mode switching screen. FIG. 9B shows an exemplary screen. FIG. 9C shows an exemplary mode switching screen. FIG. 9D shows an exemplary guidance screen. FIG. 10A shows an exemplary search screen. FIG. 10B shows an exemplary registration / editing screen. FIG. 10C shows an exemplary registration / editing screen. FIG. 11 shows an exemplary mascot acquisition process flowchart. FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of an exemplary display mode selection process. FIG. 13 shows an exemplary mascot selection process flowchart. FIG. 14 shows a flowchart of an exemplary audio output process. FIG. 15 shows a flowchart of an exemplary audio output / character display process. FIG. 16A shows an exemplary mascot screen. FIG. 16B shows an exemplary mascot information screen. FIG. 17A shows an exemplary mascot list screen. FIG. 17B shows an exemplary national Yuru-chara pictorial book screen. FIG. 18 shows a flowchart of an exemplary complete effect process. FIG. 19 shows an exemplary assisted guidance screen.

Hereinafter, embodiments in which the display control device of the present invention is applied to an in-vehicle navigation device will be described.

[Basic configuration]
FIG. 1 shows an external view of an embodiment of a navigation device suitable as an electronic device constituting the system of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram thereof. As shown in FIG. 1, the navigation device 1 includes a portable device main body 2 that can be carried and a cradle 3 that is a mounting member for holding the main body 2. By attaching the device main body 2 to the cradle 3, it functions as an in-vehicle device, and by removing it from the cradle 3, it functions as a portable navigation device (PND). In this embodiment, the device main body 2 can be attached to and detached from the cradle 3 and installed on the dashboard of the vehicle together with the cradle 3 for use, or the device main body 2 can be removed from the cradle 3 and used as a portable type (PND). Although it is a type that can be used, it may be an in-vehicle fixed type that cannot be easily attached to or detached from the cradle 3, or it may be a portable type only. Further, it may be realized by installing (including pre-installing) a predetermined application program on a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone. The application program may be the system itself for performing navigation, or may be a program for accessing and using the server in which the system for performing navigation is implemented. The present invention is applicable to such various types of navigation systems.

The apparatus main body 2 is detachably attached to the cradle 3. The device main body 2 includes a flat rectangular case main body 4. A display unit 5 is arranged on the front surface of the case body 4, a touch panel 8 for detecting which part of the display unit 5 is touched is provided on the display unit 5, and alarm lamps 9 are provided on both sides of the front surface. It is equipped with. The cradle 3 includes a cradle body 6 that holds the device body 2 and a pedestal portion 7 that supports the cradle body 6 in an arbitrary posture at a predetermined position (dashboard or the like) in the vehicle interior. The pedestal portion 7 is attracted and fixed on a dashboard or the like by a suction cup provided on the bottom surface. The pedestal portion 7 and the cradle main body 6 are rotatably connected within a predetermined angle range via a connecting mechanism such as a ball joint. Since it is a ball joint, the pedestal portion 7 and the cradle body 6 rotate and move relatively within an arbitrary angle range in the three-dimensional direction, and retain their positions at an arbitrary angle position due to frictional resistance at the joint portion. Therefore, the device main body 2 attached to the cradle main body 6 can also be arranged in an arbitrary posture on the dashboard.

Further, an SD memory card slot portion 21 is provided on one side surface of the case body 4, and an SD memory card 22 in which map data or the like is recorded can be inserted into the SD memory card slot portion 21. The SD memory card slot portion 21 includes a memory card reader / writer that reads / writes information to / from the inserted SD memory card 22. Further, a DC jack 10 is provided on the side surface of the case body 4 where the SD memory card slot portion 21 is provided. The DC jack 10 is for connecting a cigar plug cord (not shown), and is connected to a cigar socket of a vehicle via the cigar plug cord so that power can be supplied.

On the other hand, a power switch and a USB terminal 23 are provided on the side surface opposite to the SD memory card slot portion 21. It is possible to connect to a personal computer via the USB terminal 23 and upgrade the software application version.

The following devices and parts are arranged inside the case body 4. That is, the microwave receiver 11 is arranged inside the back side of the case body 4. The microwave receiver 11 receives microwaves in a predetermined frequency band, and when it receives microwaves in the set frequency band, it detects the signal level of the received microwaves. Specifically, the RSSI voltage, which is the signal level and corresponds to the electric field strength, is used. The above-mentioned predetermined frequency band is, for example, a frequency band including the frequency of the microwave emitted from the vehicle speed measuring device.

Further, inside the upper surface side of the case body 4, a GPS receiver 12 that receives a GPS signal and obtains a current position is arranged. An infrared communication device 14 is arranged inside the front side of the case body 4. The infrared communication device 14 transmits / receives data to / from a communication device having an infrared communication device such as a mobile phone 15. Further, a speaker 20 is also built in the case body 4.

Further, the navigation device 1 includes a wireless receiver 13 and a remote control receiver 16. The remote controller receiver 16 performs data communication with the remote controller (portable device: slave unit) 17 and makes various settings for the navigation device 1. The radio receiver 13 receives incoming radio in a predetermined frequency band. This predetermined frequency can be, for example, a radio frequency band used by an emergency vehicle when notifying a base station of its own vehicle position.

Further, the navigation device 1 has a navigation function that outputs a guidance voice for each occurrence of various events for the purpose of route guidance, notification of a target object such as a vehicle speed measuring device existing in the vicinity and other traffic monitoring points. In the present embodiment, as the output mode of the guidance voice, in addition to the normal mode in which the guidance voice is output without displaying the character on the guidance screen such as map information, a so-called mascot (local character) is displayed on the guidance screen. It is equipped with a loose navigation mode that outputs guidance voice with. The normal mode and the loose navigation mode are stored in the EEPROM of the control unit 18 as a program executed by the control unit 18, and are realized by the control unit 18 executing the program.

The database 19 can be realized by a non-volatile memory (for example, EEPROM) inside the microcomputer of the control unit 18 or externally attached to the microcomputer. Information necessary for performing certain targets, maps, and other functions at the time of shipment is registered in the database 19, and data and the like for targets added after that are updated after a predetermined process. can do.

The database 19 stores loose character image data for displaying various characters in the display unit. The Yuru-chara image data includes 47 types of Yuru-chara associated with multiple regions (47 prefectures) on a one-to-one basis and one type of default character on the guidance screen GV described later (FIGS. 9 (b), (d). ) Is the data to be displayed on the guidance screens GV1 and GV2). The mascot image data can be 3D model data that can be displayed as an animation according to the operation data described later.

The database 19 further stores mascot information about 47 types of mascots. FIG. 3A shows exemplary mascot information. As shown in the figure, the Yuru-chara information defines the correspondence between 47 types of Yuru-chara and 47 prefectures. The management organization is, for example, a local public organization that manages each mascot.

The mascot information further includes field data DA to DE that define setting information regarding the characteristics of each mascot. Each of the field data DA to DE has a unique character limit of, for example, about 15 to 300.

For many loose characters (for example, more than half of the loose characters), the field data DA is the name, the field data DB is the origin, the field data DC is the gender, and the field data DD is the birthday, the field. Data DE defines standard attribute data such as a profile.

However, depending on the type of mascot, there are cases where attributes different from the standard are specified, such as a nickname is specified in the field data DA and a haunting place is specified in the field data DB. Further, the field data DD may specify a part of the profile, and the field data DE may specify the rest of the profile. In this way, by making it possible to freely set the attributes of the field data DA to DF, it is easy to appropriately explain the mascots having various characteristics.

Forty-seven types of mascots are allowed to be displayed on the guidance screen GV under certain conditions. In the present application, the permission to newly display the guidance screen GV may be referred to as "acquiring" a mascot. In the present application, a set of mascots permitted to be displayed on the guidance screen GV may be referred to as a "permitted character group". The mascots that are permitted to be displayed on the guidance screen GV are added to the permitted character list illustrated in FIG. 3 (b). The control unit 18 determines that the mascots included in the permitted character list are permitted to be displayed on the guidance screen GV, and otherwise, it is determined that the display is not permitted. Further, the control unit 18 executes a complete effect when all the mascots are acquired (completed), that is, when the 47th mascot is added to the permitted character list.

Further, the database 19 stores the voice data of the guidance voice output from the speaker 20 each time various events occur and the operation data defining the operation of the mascot. The motion data includes steady motion data that defines steady motions performed by the mascot while the guidance voice is not output, and specific motion data that defines multiple specific motions performed by the mascot during the output of the guidance voice. .. The steady-state operation can be an operation that does not draw the user's attention strongly, for example, the mascot slowly repeats turning to the right and turning to the left. As the motion data of the specific motion, a total of 15 types of characteristic motions such as a motion to turn to the right, a motion to jump, a motion to rejoice, a motion to dislike, and a motion performed by a mascot are specified.

Further, the database 19 stores a voice correspondence table (first to third voice correspondence tables) and an operation correspondence table that define the relationship between various events guided by the navigation operation described later, the guidance voice, and the specific operation. There is.

Events are related to route guidance, such as route guidance events that need to be guided when guiding routes to destinations, notifications about service areas and famous places, and warnings such as accident-prone areas and inspection areas. It is divided into categories such as low POI (Point of Interest) events, and the voice-enabled table is stored for each category.

Further, the voice output as the guidance voice includes a normal voice used in the normal mode and a specific mascot character (hereinafter referred to as "specific mascot character". In the present embodiment, "promotion" associated with Shizuoka prefecture. Yuru-chara with the name "Daimyo Iyasu-kun (registered trademark)" is set as a specific Yuru-chara.) The voice used when displaying the person's voice and the Yuru-chara used when displaying other Yuru-chara. There are three types of voice. These voices are output by playing back the recorded data obtained by recording the phrases specified in each voice correspondence table recorded by voice actors or announcers (hereinafter, "voice actors, etc.").

Figures 4, 5 and 5 show exemplary first and second voice-enabled tables that define routing events. As shown in FIG. 4, in the first voice correspondence table, an event number, a phrase number, a guide time, a normal voice phrase, and a mascot voice phrase are defined. As shown in FIG. 5, in the second voice correspondence table, the event number, the phrase number, the guidance time, and the person's voice phrase are defined. In the first and second voice correspondence tables, the event number is a number (or symbol) assigned to each type of event. There are about 500 types of events, for example. The phrase number is a number assigned to each phrase. The guidance time indicates the time required to output the guidance voice. The normal voice phrase, the mascot voice phrase, and the person's voice phrase are text displays of the voice output as the normal voice, the mascot voice, and the person's voice, respectively.

As you can see from the figure, the normal voice phrase is a relatively modified expression, while the Yuru-chara voice phrase and the person's voice phrase are familiar, informal, or unique expressions. ing. In addition, when creating the recorded data, the normal voice records the normal voice phrase that the announcer utters in a standard or modified tone, while the loose character voice and the person's voice are the loose character voice phrases. In addition, the voice actor's voice phrase is recorded in a familiar, familiar, loose, tame, or unique tone.

In addition, the Yuru-chara voice phrase and the person's voice phrase may include additional information related to the information in addition to the information to be guided. For example, in the Yuru-chara voice phrase and the person's voice phrase about the time notification event (for example, event 413), in addition to the information of the time to be notified ("noon", "noon"), additional information ("tummy"). "Suitayo ~", "Even if it's an una bowl, do you eat it?") Is included.

In addition, the person's voice phrase may include information, promotion, solicitation, etc. related to the area corresponding to the specific mascot. For example, in response to event 392, which is an event approaching the destination, specify the person's voice phrase such as "It's the destination .... I want you to come to *** next time." Can be done. In this case, "***" is a place name (for example, Shizuoka prefecture) of the area corresponding to the specific mascot character. This makes it possible to solicit to places other than the current destination. It is also conceivable to use "***" as a wildcard and change the phrase corresponding to "***" according to the number of occurrences of the event, the time of occurrence, the display mode at that time, and the like.

Further, the number of phrases for each event is one in the case of normal voice, but may be multiple in the case of mascot voice and personal voice. This is a diversification of the guidance voice when a mascot is displayed. One reason is that it is highly necessary to reduce the user's boredom because the unique expression and the voice of the tone are easily memorized by the user about the ear.

When a plurality of phrases are specified for a single event, different phrases are sequentially selected and a guidance voice is output each time the event occurs. Phrase selection may be random rather than sequential.

Furthermore, regarding the Yuru-chara voice and the person's voice, the number of phrases differs for each event. For example, the number of phrases for event 391 (event for starting guidance) is 4, whereas the number of phrases for event 393 (event for reroute) is 10. This is because the more frequently the event occurs, the more it is necessary to reduce the user's boredom due to the frequent output of the same phrase.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary third voice-enabled table defined for POI events.

The meanings of the event number, the phrase number, the guidance time, and the normal voice phrase in the third voice correspondence table are the same as those in the first voice correspondence table. As can be seen from the figure, for each POI event, only normal voice phrases are specified, and mascot voice phrases and personal voice phrases are not specified. Therefore, when the POI event occurs, the guidance voice by the normal voice is always output, and the guidance voice by the mascot voice and the personal voice is not output. This is in consideration of the fact that POI events (particularly warning events) are often unfamiliar with loose guidance by mascot voice or the like due to their nature.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary operation correspondence table. As shown in the figure, an operation number is defined for each phrase number defined in the first to third voice correspondence tables of FIGS. 4 to 6. The operation number is composed of an aspect part (right etc.) indicated by Roman letters and a time part (03 etc.) indicated by numbers. The aspect part defines the type of specific operation data. The time part indicates the time during which the specific operation continues. If the phrase number of the voice output as the guidance voice (phrase number of the first to third voice correspondence tables) is determined by this operation correspondence table, the specific action performed by the mascot is uniquely determined. As mentioned above, there are a total of 15 types of specific movements, but among these, for specific movements with high display frequency such as movements facing right, movements facing right in multiple different modes (right and right1) are used. It is prepared.

Next, the operation of the navigation device 1 having the above configuration will be described.
<Menu operation>
As described above, the navigation device 1 includes a normal mode and a loose navigation mode, and these modes are switched by the control unit 18 in response to a touch operation to the display unit 5.

When the "navigation" button is touched on the main menu screen of FIG. 8A displayed on the display unit 5 when the power of the navigation device 1 is turned on, the navigation menu screen of FIG. 8B is displayed.

When the user selects the "mode switching" button from the navigation menu screen when the operation mode is the normal mode, the mode switching screen illustrated in FIG. 9A is displayed, and when the user selects the "YES" button, the operation is performed. The mode is switched to the loose navigation mode. In the mascot navigation mode, as illustrated in FIG. 9B, navigation is performed using the guidance screen GV1 displaying the image C of the mascot along with map information and the like. When the user selects the "mode switching" button from the navigation menu screen when the operation mode is the loose navigation mode, the mode switching screen illustrated in FIG. 9C is displayed, and when the user selects the "YES" button, the mode switching screen is displayed. The operation mode is switched to the normal mode. In the normal mode, as illustrated in FIG. 9D, navigation is performed using the guidance screen GV2 that displays only map information and the like without displaying the image C of the mascot.

The switching screens shown in FIGS. 9A and 9C have backgrounds, character fonts, icons, etc. so that the user can easily imagine the operation mode for switching (when "YES" is selected). It is preferable to use a design that matches the operation mode of the migration destination. For example, the switching screen of FIG. 9A uses a manga-like design and a fairy-tale design, and the switching screen of FIG. 9B uses an urban design, an urban design, and the like.

When the "search" button is touched on the navigation menu screen, the search screen of FIG. 10A is displayed, and the destination can be searched. When the "Register / Edit" button is touched on the navigation menu screen, the registration / edit screen shown in FIG. 10B is displayed, and route editing, registration point setting, history display, and the like can be performed. If you touch the "Settings" button on the navigation menu screen, the registration / editing screen shown in Fig. 10 (c) will be displayed, and auxiliary such as an enlarged intersection map, radar screen, and meter screen based on OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) information will be displayed. You can set the priority of the screen.

<Acquisition of Yuru-chara>
FIG. 11 shows a mascot acquisition process that is always executed by the navigation device 1 when the mascot mode is selected as the operation mode. The Yuru-chara acquisition process is executed only when the operation mode is the Yuru-chara mode, and is not executed when the operation mode is the normal mode.

The control unit 18 acquires the current position of the navigation device 1 by performing positioning processing by the GPS receiver 15 at a predetermined cycle, usually a cycle of 1 second (step S11).

Next, the control unit 18 identifies the area (prefecture) to which the current position obtained by the positioning process belongs (step S12).
Next, with reference to the permitted character list (FIG. 3 (b)) on the database 19, it is determined whether or not the mascot associated with the prefecture specified in step S12 has already been acquired (step S13). ..
If it has not been acquired (step S13; No), the mascot corresponding to the specified prefecture is added to the permitted character list (step S14).

If it is determined in step S13 that the mascot of the specified prefecture has already been acquired (step S13; Yes), step S14 is skipped.

Subsequently, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the power has been turned off between the previous positioning process and the current positioning process (step S15). When the power is not turned off (step S15; No), the distance between the previous and current positioning positions is obtained (step S16), and the obtained distance is added to the cumulative value of the past mileage (step S17). ..

Next, it is determined whether or not the cumulative value of the mileage newly exceeds a multiple of a predetermined value (200 km in this embodiment) (step S18). If it exceeds (step S18; Yes), one of the unacquired loose characters is randomly selected and acquired (step S19), and the current process is terminated.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the power has been turned off between the previous positioning and the current positioning (step S15; Yes), and when the cumulative value of the mileage does not exceed a multiple of 200 km (step S18; No), this process is terminated.

By such a process, for example, when driving across a prefectural border to another prefecture for the first time, a mascot of that prefecture is acquired. Also, even if you are traveling only in the same prefecture, you can acquire a new mascot every time you travel 200km. However, for example, if the power is turned off, the vehicle is moved from Hokkaido to Okinawa by ferry, and the power is turned on, the travel distance of the navigation device 1 exceeds 200 km, but as a result of skipping steps S16-S19, this travel distance is Since it is not counted in the cumulative area, it is not possible to acquire a new mascot by moving while the power is off (Note that if the power is turned on for the first time in Okinawa, it means that you have entered a new area, so step S14. You can get a mascot corresponding to Okinawa).

The above-mentioned mascot acquisition process is executed regardless of which mode is selected as the display mode described later. Therefore, even if only the same mascot character is always displayed in the fixed mode, the user can move between regions or move a long distance while the power of the navigation device 1 is turned on. , You can proceed with the acquisition of Yuru-chara.

In addition, since the mascots are added (steps S14 and S19) under the two conditions of moving to a new area and moving a predetermined distance, even a user who does not move to a remote location can loosen. It is possible to proceed with the acquisition of characters.

<Selection / switching of display mode>

Next, a process of selecting a mascot to be displayed on the guidance screen GV1 in the navigation operation when the mascot mode is selected will be described.

The navigation device 1 has three display modes: a fixed mode, a prefectural border mode, and a mileage mode. The fixed mode is a mode in which a specific mascot character is continuously selected. The prefectural border mode is a mode in which the mascots of the prefecture where the current position is located are displayed. The mileage mode is a mode in which the mascot to be displayed is changed every time the navigation device 1 moves a predetermined distance, for example, 200 km.

The display mode is selected, for example, by an operation on the selection screen (not shown) displayed on the display unit 5 by touching the "local character" button on the navigation menu screen (FIG. 8 (b)). .. FIG. 12 shows a display mode selection process executed by the control unit 18 in response to the operation.

When the user selects the fixed mode in the display mode selection process (step S31; Yes), the control unit 18 subsequently displays the mascots included in the permitted character list in the form of a list or the like, and the user among them. Select your favorite mascot from the list (step S32). The control unit 18 stores the fixed mode and the selected mascot character.

When the user selects the prefectural border mode (step S33; Yes), the control unit 18 selects the mascot corresponding to the prefecture specified in the latest step S12 of the mascot acquisition process executed in parallel (step S33; Yes). Step S34). The control unit 18 stores the "prefectural border mode" and the selected mascot.

When the user selects the mileage mode (step S35; Yes), the control unit 18 selects any one of the mascots included in the permitted character list (step S36). The mascot character may be randomly selected from the permitted character list, or the mascot character displayed in the mileage mode immediately before the display mode selection process may be selected. The control unit 18 stores the “mileage mode” and the selected mascot character.

When "prefectural border mode" and "mileage mode" are selected, the mascot is appropriately selected and changed during the navigation operation.

This mascot selection is performed by the mascot selection process of FIG.
When the mascot selection process starts, the control unit 18 first determines whether the "normal mode" is set or the "yuru-navigation mode" is set (step S41).
When "normal mode" is set, it is not necessary to select a mascot, so this process ends.

On the other hand, when the "loose navigation mode" is set, it is next determined which selection mode is set (steps S42 to S44). In the case of the fixed mode (step S42; Yes), it is not necessary to newly select a mascot, so the process ends.

In the case of the prefectural border mode (step S42; No, step S43; Yes), crossing the regional border (prefectural border, etc.) based on the prefecture specified in the latest step S12 of the mascot acquisition process executed in parallel. Determine if you have entered a new area. Then, when it is determined that the player has entered a new area, a mascot corresponding to the new area is selected (step S45), and the process is terminated.

In the case of the mileage mode (step S42; No, step S43; No, step S44; Yes), the cumulative value of the mileage in the latest step S17 of the mascot acquisition process executed in parallel is a multiple of 200 km. It is determined whether or not the character has been exceeded (step S46), and if it has been exceeded, a character different from the selected mascot character is selected from the mascots in the permitted character list (step S47), and the process is terminated. This selection may be, for example, a sequential selection. In this case, it is conceivable to select in a specific order, such as selecting the time when the characters were added to the permitted character list in order from the latest one.

<Navigation operation>
When the "current location" button is touched on the navigation menu screen or the like in FIG. 8B, the control unit 18 executes the navigation operation. In the navigation operation, various cautions and warning information regarding traffic are provided, and when the destination is set in the search menu, registration / edit menu, etc. in FIGS. 10 (a) and 10 (b), the relevant destination is set. Route guidance is performed based on the route information generated based on the destination and the current position.

FIG. 14 shows the voice output processing in the navigation operation when the operation mode is set to the normal mode. In the navigation operation in the normal mode, the guidance screen GV2 illustrated in FIG. 9D is displayed on the display unit 5. On the guidance screen GV2, in addition to the map including the current position acquired in step S11, information such as a place name, a direction, a scale, and a time is displayed. The image C of the mascot is not displayed on the guidance screen GV2.

In step S61 of FIG. 14, the control unit 18 corresponds to any event number specified in the first or third voice correspondence table based on the current position acquired in step S11, the set route information, and the like. Determine if is occurring. If no event has occurred, step S61 is repeatedly executed (step S61; No).

When an event has occurred (step S61: Yes), the phrase number and guidance time corresponding to the event number are specified from the first or third voice correspondence table (step S62), and correspond to the specified phrase number. By playing back the recorded data to be performed, the guidance voice is output (step S63). Step S63 ends with the lapse of the guidance time specified in step S62, and then the process returns to step S61.

As a result, the guidance screen GV2 without the image C of the mascot character is displayed, and the navigation is performed by outputting the guidance voice by normal voice.

FIG. 15 shows the voice output / character display processing in the navigation operation when the operation mode is set to the loose navigation mode. In the navigation operation of the mascot mode, the display unit 5 displays the image C of the mascot character superimposed on the guidance screen GV1 similar to the guidance screen GV2 of FIG. 9D, as illustrated in FIG. 9B. Is displayed. The image C of the mascot displayed here is an image of the mascot selected at that time (the mascot selected in the display mode selection process of FIG. 12 or the mascot selection process of FIG. 13).

In step S71, the control unit 18 generates an event corresponding to any event number specified in the first to third voice correspondence tables based on the current position acquired in step S11, the set route information, and the like. Determine if it is.

If no event has occurred, in step S72, the image C of the mascot is operated according to the normal operation, and then the process returns to step S71. In this way, unless an event occurs, steps S71 and S72 are repeatedly executed, and the image C of the mascot performing a normal operation is continuously displayed. During this time, the guidance voice is not output.

If an event has occurred in step S71 (step S71: Yes), the process proceeds to step S73, and it is determined whether the generated event is a specified POI event in the third voice correspondence table, and if it is negative (No), it is determined. , In step S74, it is determined whether or not the mascot selected at that time is a specific mascot.

If the determination in step S73 is affirmative (Yes), in step S75, the phrase number and the guidance time corresponding to the generated event are specified from the third voice correspondence table.

If the judgment in step S74 is negative (No) (when a mascot other than the specific mascot is selected), the phrase number and guidance time corresponding to the event that occurred are specified from the first voice correspondence table in step S76. Will be done.

If the determination in step S74 is affirmative (Yes) (when a specific mascot is selected), the phrase number and guidance time corresponding to the event that occurred are specified from the second voice correspondence table in step S77.

In steps S75 to S77, when a plurality of phrase numbers and guidance times corresponding to the events generated in the first to third voice correspondence tables are specified, any of the phrase numbers and guidance times selected from them are specified. Is identified. The selection here should be made in a sequential manner. For example, when an event (for example, event 391) in which a specific mascot is selected occurs, the phrase number specified in the latest step S77 executed in the past for the same event (event 391). If is the third "IE_AN_470", in this step S77, the fourth phrase number "IE_AN_471" and the guidance time ("11.844") are specified. This makes it possible to prevent the same phrase from being output repeatedly even if the same event occurs frequently.

After steps S75 to S77, the process proceeds to step S78. In step S78, the operation numbers corresponding to the phrase numbers specified in steps S75 to S77 are specified from the operation correspondence table of FIG. 7.

In the following step S79, the guidance voice is output by playing back the voice data corresponding to the phrase numbers specified in steps S75 to S77, and the image of the mascot character is output according to the specific operation data of the specific number specified in step S78. The process of operating C is performed.

As a result, the display of the guidance screen GV1 displaying the image C of the mascot and the output of the guidance voice by the normal voice (in the case of step S75), the mascot voice (in the case of step S76) or the person's voice (in the case of step S77). Navigation is performed by, and the voice of the content corresponding to each event is spoken or listened to by Yuru-chara's image C in a specific motion corresponding to each event different from the steady motion, as if gesturing. It can be produced as if it were.

Step S79 ends with the lapse of the guidance time specified in steps S75 to 77, and then the process returns to step S71.

<Navigation operation in the initial state>
In the initial state (for example, the state where the power is first turned on after factory shipment), it is advisable to display the default character on the screen and give guidance such as operation explanation.

After that, when the operation mode is set to the normal mode and the navigation operation is started, the same voice output processing as described with reference to FIG. 14 is executed while displaying the guidance screen GV2 in which the character is hidden.

On the other hand, when the navigation mode is set and the navigation operation is started in a state where the display mode selection process of FIG. 12 has not been executed, the image of the default character is displayed on the guidance screen GV in the same manner as in FIG. 9B. In this state, the same audio output / character display process as in FIG. 15 is executed. As a result, the product concept that the mascots corresponding to the display mode selected in the display mode selection process are displayed can be maintained even in the operation immediately after the initial state. In the voice output / character display processing at this time, the default character may be treated as a normal (not a specific mascot) mascot.

<Navigation operation immediately after power-on or resume>
A process when the navigation operation is started immediately after the power is turned on or resumed after the display mode selection process of FIG. 12 is executed will be described.

In the normal mode, there is no difference from the navigation operation in the normal mode described with respect to FIG.

When the navigation operation is started immediately after the power is turned on or resumed in the loose navigation mode, the same navigation operation as in the normal mode is executed until the positioning information in step S11 is acquired. That is, the voice output process described with respect to FIG. 14 is executed with the guidance screen GV2 displayed.

After that, when the acquisition of the positioning information in step S11 is successful, the mascot character selected at that time is made to appear on the guidance screen GV2, and then the navigation operation in the normal mascot navigation mode is executed. That is, the voice output / character display process described with respect to FIG. 15 is executed with the guidance screen GV1 displayed. By performing the above effect, it is possible to notify the user that the positioning has been successful.

<Display of Yuru-chara information>
When the "Yuru-chara" button is touched on the navigation menu screen shown in FIG. 8B, the control unit 18 displays the Yuru-chara screen of FIG. 16A. Here, when the "Yuru-chara information" button is operated, the control unit 18 reads the setting information of the currently selected Yuru-chara from the Yuru-chara information and displays the Yuru-chara information screen of FIG. 16B.

The broken line in FIG. 16B is an explanatory line indicating the fields A to E set in the screen. Each information of the field data DA to DF is displayed in each of the fields A to E. With this mascot information screen, the user can know the selected mascot in more detail. Since the layout of the fields A to E is fixed and the field data DA to DF displayed in each field A to E are standard attributes for many mascots, the explanation is easy for the user to understand. Can be provided. On the other hand, depending on the type of mascot, non-standard attribute data can be displayed in fields A to E, which makes it easy to explain mascots with special characteristics that are difficult to explain in a conventional manner.

When the "national mascot picture book" is touched on the mascot screen of FIG. 16 (a), the control unit 18 controls the mascot list screen of FIG. 17 (a) based on the permitted character list stored in the database 19. Is displayed. On the Yuru-chara list screen, the names of each region (47 prefectures) are displayed in a list. For the acquired Yuru-chara, the image of the Yuru-chara is displayed in the corresponding area of the list. Further, for the specific mascot character that emits the person's voice, a mark M composed of characters such as "with voice" indicating that is displayed. The mark M may be displayed even if the specific mascot is not included in the permitted character list. As a result, it is clearly shown to the user that the specific mascot has not been acquired, and the user can be motivated to acquire the specific mascot.

On the Yuru-chara list screen, you can scroll the list by touching the scroll button on the right side.

When "Map display" is touched on the Yuru-chara list screen of FIG. 17 (a), the control unit 18 displays the national Yuru-chara pictorial book screen shown in FIG. 17 (b). On the nationwide mascot screen, the area corresponding to the acquired mascot and the area corresponding to the unacquired mascot are displayed on the simplified map in an identifiable manner. As an aspect of identification, as shown in the figure, it is preferable to hide the name of the area corresponding to the acquired mascot character. By clearly indicating the unacquired area, the user can easily recognize the mascot of the area as the acquisition target. Alternatively, the area corresponding to the acquired or unacquired mascot may be shaded.

When the user touches a desired area on the nationwide mascot pictorial book screen of FIG. 17 (b), the mascot information screen of FIG. 16 (b) may be displayed for the mascot corresponding to that area. In this case, the display of the Yuru-chara information screen may be permitted only for the acquired Yuru-chara.

On the Yuru-chara list screen and the national Yuru-chara pictorial book screen, the number of acquired and unacquired Yuru-chara is also displayed. When the "current location" button is touched on the Yuru-chara list screen and the national Yuru-chara pictorial book screen, the guide screen GV1 or GV2 of FIG. 9B or (d) is restored according to the operation mode at that time.

<Complete production>
As described above, the user can increase the number of acquired mascots by mounting the navigation device 1 on a vehicle or the like and moving. Then, when the user has acquired the mascots of all prefectures, the control unit 18 performs a complete effect of notifying the user that the acquisition of the mascots has been completed.

That is, when the 47th mascot is added to the permitted character list, the occurrence of event 428 is determined. Then, if the mascot selected at that time is not a specific mascot, the complete effect process shown in FIG. 18 is executed.

In the complete effect processing, if the guidance screen GV1 is being displayed in the loose navigation mode in step S81, the image C of the mascot is removed from the guidance screen GV1. In other cases, the guidance screen GV2 without the image C of the mascot is displayed.

In the following step S82, the image C of the specific mascot is made to appear on the guidance screen GV of step S81.

After that, in step S83, the phrase number (“IE_AN_600”) and the guidance time (“8.434”) corresponding to the event 428 are specified, and in step S84, the operation data (“comp_08”) corresponding to the phrase number (“IE_AN_600”) is specified. ") Is specified.

In the following step S85, the guidance voice is output by reproducing the voice data corresponding to the voice phrase specified in step S83, and the image C of the mascot is operated according to the operation data of the specific operation specified in step S84. Processing is performed.

As a result, with the image C of the specific mascot displayed on the guidance screen GV, a special guidance voice such as "All Yuru-chara Complete-To-National Conquest" is output.

Step S85 ends with the lapse of the guidance time specified in step S83, after that, the image C of the specific mascot is exited from the screen (step S86), and after that, the display of the display unit 5 is displayed before the complete effect processing. The complete effect processing is completed by returning to the state of.

It is possible to impress the user that the acquisition of the mascot is completed by the complete effect using the guidance voice and the display of the specific motion by the image C of the specific mascot. Further, by performing the complete effect even when the navigation operation is not in progress, it is possible to surely notify the user that the completion has been performed. It is also conceivable to set the complete effect only during the navigation operation or the navigation operation in the mascot mode.

If the mascot selected at the time when the occurrence of the event 428 is determined is a specific mascot, the voice output / character display processing steps S77 to S79 are executed as they are, in the same manner as described above. , Complete production is performed.

<Hiding Yuru-chara image>
When a specific situation (for example, approaching an intersection to be changed) occurs during the navigation operation in the loose navigation mode, the priority of the auxiliary screen set on the registration / edit screen of FIG. 10 (c) determines FIG. The screen display is switched from the guidance screen GV of (b) to the guidance screen GV3 with assistance of FIG. On the guide screen with assistance GV3, the same map information as the guide screen of FIG. 9B is displayed on the left side of the screen, and an auxiliary screen such as an enlarged intersection is displayed on the right side of the screen.

In such a guide screen with assistance, the image C of the mascot is hidden in consideration of not impairing the visibility of the information displayed on the auxiliary screen.

The guidance screen GV1 of FIG. 9B may also be configured so that the image of the image C of the mascot can be hidden by touching the image of the image C of the mascot. This makes it possible to improve the visibility of information at the display position of the image C of the mascot character.

In addition, during the demonstration run, neither the acquisition of the mascot nor the display of the mascot will be performed. In this case, for example, the user instructs the control unit 18 that the demonstration run is performed. In this case, the control unit 18 can set only the normal mode.

The invention disclosed in the present application is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. For example, in the above embodiment, the number of mascots is 47, one in each prefecture, but the number is arbitrary. In addition, the size and number of areas to which mascots are assigned, such as collecting mascots for each town and village, are arbitrary.

In the above embodiment, the case where the recorded data obtained by recording the utterances of the announcer, the voice actor, etc. is used as the voice data for all the guidance voices has been described. The guidance voice) may be output by converting the text data into TTS (Text to Talk).

The following is a copy of each claim at the time of filing.
<Claim 1>
A display control device that guides information related to a map that includes multiple areas.
A display control device comprising a control means for controlling the display means to display an image of any of a plurality of characters whose correspondence with the plurality of areas is defined.
<Claim 2>
The control means displays an image of the character selected from a group of permitted characters, which is a set consisting of all or a part of the plurality of characters, on the display means.
The control means adds the character corresponding to the destination area to the permitted character group on condition that the display control device has moved to the area where the correspondence with the character is defined. The display control device according to claim 1.
<Claim 3>
The control means displays an image of the character selected from a group of permitted characters, which is a set consisting of all or a part of the plurality of characters, on the display means.
The control means is characterized in that, on condition that the display control device has moved a predetermined distance, any one of the characters selected from the plurality of characters is newly added to the permitted character group. The display control device according to claim 1 or 2.
<Claim 4>
The plurality of characters include at least one default character.
The display control device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the control means displays an image of the default character on the display means when the character is not included in the permitted character group.
<Claim 5>
Further having a mode selection means for selecting one of a plurality of modes for selecting the character in different embodiments based on the user's operation.
The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control means displays the character selected according to the mode selected by the mode selection means on the display means.
<Claim 6>
The plurality of modes include the first mode.
The display control device according to claim 5, wherein when the first mode is selected, the control means displays an image of the character designated by the user on the display means.
<Claim 7>
The plurality of modes include a second mode.
5. When the second mode is selected, the control means may display an image of the character associated with the area where the display control device is currently located on the display means. The display control device according to 6.
<Claim 8>
The plurality of modes include a third mode.
5. A aspect of claim 5, wherein when the third mode is selected, the control means displays a different image of the character on the display means each time the display control device moves a predetermined distance. 7. The display control device according to any one of 7.
<Claim 9>
Further having a display mode selection means for selecting a display mode or a non-display mode based on a user operation.
The control means controls to display the image of the character on the display means when the display mode is selected, and controls to display the image of the character on the display means when the non-display mode is selected. The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the display control device is characterized in that the above is not performed.
<Claim 10>
A program for realizing the function of the display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 in a computer.

Claims (8)

It is a system that guides information related to the area.
It has a function to notify that a predetermined event has occurred by voice related to the first character corresponding to the area to which the current position belongs.
The guide function is
A system that outputs the voice of a phrase containing first information to be guided about the event and second information meaning a solicitation to the area including at least the name of the area corresponding to the first character. .. The first information and the second information are composed of different sentences.
The system according to claim 1. The first information is information for guiding the route to the destination.
The second information means a solicitation to a place other than the destination.
The system according to claim 1 or 2. The guide function is
It guides the occurrence of the predetermined event by selecting either the voice related to the first character or the voice not related to the first character.
The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein when guiding by voice not related to the first character, the voice including the first information and not including the second information is output. .. The guide function is
One or a plurality of phrases associated with the predetermined event is selected, and the voice including the selected phrase is guided.
According to claim 4 , the number of phrases associated with the predetermined event is larger in the case of guiding by the voice related to the first character than in the case of guiding by the voice not related to the first character. The system described. The guide function is
When the occurrence of the predetermined event is guided by the voice related to the second character corresponding to the area to which the current position belongs, the voice including the first information and not including the second information. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . The guide function is
If the predetermined event is the first event according to the current position, the voice related to the first character is used for guidance, and if the event is the second event, the voice not related to the first character is used. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6 to be guided. A program for realizing the function of the system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 on a computer.

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